Top 6 Cozy Ways to Embrace Winter in Charlottetown

Catching Big City Vibes in Our Itty-Bitty TownBy Ellen Egan

Photo by Jared Doyle

SO IT'S WINTER (in case you're still coming to terms with that one). And while I know it's super tempting to cuddle under a duvet and hibernate until Prince Edward Island defrosts in the spring, I'm a big proponent of making the most out of all seasons on our wee Island.

Because beyond the fact that Charlottetown is just so adorable when it's all dressed in white (cue Beauty and the Beast's song "Little Town"), it's also filled with lots of cozy places to stay, hidden (and not-so-hidden) hangouts to enjoy, and upbeat activities to keep you buzzing from morning 'til night.

Here are my top six picks:

1) Cozy & Cute — When the temperatures drop, one of my favourite things to do is curl up with a good book (or person) and a hot, frothy drink. For some of the coziest places in the city to nestle in, look no further than Receiver Coffee Company on Victoria Row, Beanz Espresso Bar on Great George Street or Leonhard's Café, just next door to Beanz.

Photo by Jared Doyle

2) Let it Flow — Nothing beats the winter chill like a good old fashioned endorphin-release. Whether it's improving your hot yoga practice or getting the blood pumping with a fitness class, Moksha Yoga on Prince Street, Dynamic Fitness on Pownal, or Kinetic Fitness on Queen are just a few of the places that have you covered.

Photo by JK Murphy Photography

3) Get Funky — Throw on your sequins, add some layers, and strap on your skates because the always-popular Founder's Hall rink (bottom of Prince Street) will be THE place to be on Sunday, February 5th. Upstreet Craft Brewery and Fusion Charlottetown are organizing a dance party on ice called Disco Skate from 5-8pm — there will be plenty of funky tunes and hot chilli to keep you toasty all evening long.

5) Play for Kicks — For something a little more interactive, check out the Small Print Board Game Cafe on Grafton Street. Here, they have a TON of games to choose, local craft beers on tap, and a variety of snacks to keep you fuelled during your fifth-straight-hour of Catan. The Alley on Richmond is also a great place to throw down some pins and release your inner competitive spirit over beers and laughs with friends.

Photo by Jared Doyle

6) Walkin' in a Winter Wonderland — In case you need to work off all of that merriment you've been enjoying, just a few blocks west from the heart of downtown Charlottetown you'll find Victoria Park. Its boardwalk stretches along the Charlottetown Harbour and the wooded trails within the park make the perfect place to grab some fresh air while taking in the natural beauty.

Photo by Jared Doyle

And with all the fun to be had, I'd recommend making your getaway complete by staying a night or two at one of our many cozy inns or hotels, like the Shipwright Inn or The Holman Grand. Discover Charlottetown also has a number of awesome packages created just for you, so be sure to check them out here.

Ellen Egan is a writer, editor, and native Islander living blissfully in downtown Charlottetown. She's also an avid traveller and is delighted to share her tips and tricks for making the most out of one of her favourite cities in the world. For more of her work, check out www.ellenegan.com.